Bombardier and MARTA partner to improve track worker protection

Bombardier Transportation has teamed up with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority in a demonstration project to enhance the safety of rail transit workers at the track side.

The Bombardier/MARTA project was approved by the Federal Transit Administration, following a request for proposals specifically aimed at improving right-of-way safety for rail transit workers through innovative use of new and advanced technologies. With this project, the FTA aims to mitigate the risks of accidents for passengers and transit system workers in the U.S. According to FTA statistics, between 2003 and 2008, 53 percent of reported rail transit worker fatalities were right-of-way related incidents. The Bombardier/MARTA demonstration project, featuring Bombardier's TrackSafe technology, was chosen among eight proposals submitted to the FTA.

TrackSafe is a Bombardier turnkey system that creates improved location awareness for track workers and train operators through the use of Radio Frequency Identification and other technologies. TrackSafe provides relevant alerts to track workers and train operators in real time.

The equipment will be installed between Ashby and Bankhead stations on MARTA's Green Line. Some preliminary work such as the installation of power and communications feeds has already begun. The demonstration project will be held later in 2012. The results will be communicated through selected industry forums.